Radix bupleuri Extract Inhibits Hyperplasia of Mammary Gland in Rats

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Radix bupleuri extract (RBE) on hyperplasia of mammary gland (HMG) in rats. Methods: Forty virgin female Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, HMG model, positive control (Rupisanjie capsule, RPSJC), and low-, middle-, and high-dose RBE groups. Estrogen and progestogen were intramuscularly injected into the rats to induce HMG. RPSJC and RBE were administered by intragastric administration. Changes in nipple height were measured; serum estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), prolactin (PRL), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were evaluated; and uterus and ovary indices were calculated. Morphological changes in mammary glands were observed by light microscopy. Results: Compared with HMG model rats, those treated with RBE had significantly decreased nipple height and uterus index (both p < 0.01), and the numbers of mammary gland lobules and secretion were reduced by RBE. The treatment also significantly decreased serum E2, PRL, and FSH levels (all p < 0.01), while serum P and LH levels (p < 0.01) were significantly increased in RBE-treated HMG rats. Histopathologic observation confirmed that high dose of RBE attenuated HMG. Conclusion: The findings suggest that RBE has significant effect of anti-hyperplasia of mammary gland.